Bluetooth Retrofit Installation - Success

[wea]

This is a write up of my experiences on installing the bluetooth retrofit. I think this will help anyone considering the bluetooth retrofit on a M3 because many of the post are a little old at this point.

I followed this thread for my basic guidance: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122545

Since many of the parts are superseded and I wanted my local dealer to be responsible for the service and parts ordering. I worked with Andy and Bo at BMW Austin. They were very helpful but they had not done this retrofit before. I did get a 10% BMW CCA off the parts and service but it was still expensive.

Here is what I ordered for my e90 M3 with Technology Pkg with a 05/08 build date:

65-15-9-135-687 Bracket for Telemat
07-11-9-904-019 Hex Nut x4
84-50-6-928-461 Bluetooth Antenna
84-31-6-938-762 Hands Free Telephon
65-13-6-938-657 Loud Speaker
65-20-6-935-024 Back-up Antenna - This part was not needed.
61-31-9-197-759 Switch Unit Roof
84-10-9-206-422 RMFD Telematics Con
TOTAL: $848.89 + Tax = $918.92 - $33 for the unused part

Install was "3 hrs labor". My car went in last Tuesday morning and I didn't see it again until Thursday at mid-day. Seems like the directions BMW provides (see above thread) are not complete and that a Japanese service bulletin has the correct steps to get the retrofit to working. The labor total was $299.

All in, it was $1185 and 2.5 days in the shop. Was it worth it? I would say Yes. This was the only option I didn't have that I considered "must have", so for me it is worth it. Next I will add the iPhone 3G snap in but I'm not sure if I need/want to do the 6FL retrofit to get the audio working.

So far the bluetooth retrofit works flawlessly and I've been very impressed when I'm entering and exiting the car and the conversation seamlessly transfer between the iPhone and the in-car bluetooth. It is also very clear in all conditions and most people don't hear any car noises and assume I'm at the office. That alone is worth it!

Hope this helps anyone considering the retrofit and I really appreciate the effort of the others who documented their experiences here and on the e90post.

Cheers

[AoshichanX]

Congratulations! It is refreshing to see so many people hit the sub $1200 mark for the retrofit, which I think is very reasonable in exchange for the benefits of OEM.

Thank you for sharing

[apw2607]

Do you get BMW Assist with this retofit, or is it Bluetooth only. BMW do manufacture a Bluetooth only kit, although I'm pretty certain this isn't available officially in the USA for the E9x.

[wea]

Originally Posted by apw2607

Do you get BMW Assist with this retofit, or is it Bluetooth only. BMW do manufacture a Bluetooth only kit, although I'm pretty certain this isn't available officially in the USA for the E9x.

Yes you can use the BMW Assist with this retrofit but that is an additional cost of $199/yr.

Cheers

[tom @ eas]

We're performed a couple of OEM retrofits here, Assist is available for those willing to subscribe to the option. IMHO - I'm never been a big fan of Assist.

With the mObridge kits now on the market for quite a bit less - most people are going that route.

[ihyln]

I hate to necro old threads but I'm considering a BT retrofit either via mObridge or the OEM retrofit. It's been quite a while since anyone has made any mention so I took it upon myself to do a more current "price check".

From Tischer all the parts (excluding programming and installation) come to about $718 before shipping. The price of the TCU has come down considerably, enough that it may be better to go with the OEM retrofit, what do you guys think?

OEM Catalog
HEX NUT $0.73 $0.58 $0.00 $0.58
OEM Catalog
BRACKET $16.50 $13.20 $0.00 $13.20
OEM Catalog
ANTENNA $24.30 $19.44 $0.00 $19.44
OEM Catalog
MICROPHONE $30.85 $24.68 $0.00 $24.68
OEM Catalog
LOUDSPEAKER $18.95 $15.16 $0.00 $15.16
OEM Catalog
SWITCH UNIT ROOF $341.15 $272.92 $0.00 $272.92
OEM Catalog
RMFD TELEMATICS CONT $403.59 $322.87 $50.00 $372.87
Total: $718.85

mObridge: $849 + shipping

[Technic]

Originally Posted by ihyln

I hate to necro old threads but I'm considering a BT retrofit either via mObridge or the OEM retrofit. It's been quite a while since anyone has made any mention so I took it upon myself to do a more current "price check".

From Tischer all the parts (excluding programming and installation) come to about $718 before shipping. The price of the TCU has come down considerably, enough that it may be better to go with the OEM retrofit, what do you guys think?

OEM Catalog
HEX NUT $0.73 $0.58 $0.00 $0.58
OEM Catalog
BRACKET $16.50 $13.20 $0.00 $13.20
OEM Catalog
ANTENNA $24.30 $19.44 $0.00 $19.44
OEM Catalog
MICROPHONE $30.85 $24.68 $0.00 $24.68
OEM Catalog
LOUDSPEAKER $18.95 $15.16 $0.00 $15.16
OEM Catalog
SWITCH UNIT ROOF $341.15 $272.92 $0.00 $272.92
OEM Catalog
RMFD TELEMATICS CONT $403.59 $322.87 $50.00 $372.87
Total: $718.85

mObridge: $849 + shipping

If you are looking for only OEM Bluetooth then you could get an used TCU (try to get a P/N as recent as recent as possible) so no coding will be required. The only new part that you could get is the roof unit, but everything else can be used, for less than half of those prices.

[ihyln]

Thanks Technic! How do I find out what the most recent P/N is for the TCU? How can one confirm that it is already coded? Go to salvage yards? Ebay yields very old TCUs..

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by ihyln

I hate to necro old threads but I'm considering a BT retrofit either via mObridge or the OEM retrofit. It's been quite a while since anyone has made any mention so I took it upon myself to do a more current "price check".

From Tischer all the parts (excluding programming and installation) come to about $718 before shipping. The price of the TCU has come down considerably, enough that it may be better to go with the OEM retrofit, what do you guys think?

OEM Catalog
HEX NUT $0.73 $0.58 $0.00 $0.58
OEM Catalog
BRACKET $16.50 $13.20 $0.00 $13.20
OEM Catalog
ANTENNA $24.30 $19.44 $0.00 $19.44
OEM Catalog
MICROPHONE $30.85 $24.68 $0.00 $24.68
OEM Catalog
LOUDSPEAKER $18.95 $15.16 $0.00 $15.16
OEM Catalog
SWITCH UNIT ROOF $341.15 $272.92 $0.00 $272.92
OEM Catalog
RMFD TELEMATICS CONT $403.59 $322.87 $50.00 $372.87
Total: $718.85

mObridge: $849 + shipping

Also take into effect the mObridge BT kits include iPod integration and is upgradeable by the end user via the integrated SD slot or by Bluetooth.

The mULF/TCUs from BMW cannot be upgraded.

[ihyln]

I already have the 6FL option, also if the mObridge kit was a bit cheaper I'd probably just get that. If I can't find a used TCU I may end up going the mObridge route....

[agazza2]

Originally Posted by wea

This is a write up of my experiences on installing the bluetooth retrofit. I think this will help anyone considering the bluetooth retrofit on a M3 because many of the post are a little old at this point.

I followed this thread for my basic guidance: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122545

Since many of the parts are superseded and I wanted my local dealer to be responsible for the service and parts ordering. I worked with Andy and Bo at BMW Austin. They were very helpful but they had not done this retrofit before. I did get a 10% BMW CCA off the parts and service but it was still expensive.

Here is what I ordered for my e90 M3 with Technology Pkg with a 05/08 build date:

65-15-9-135-687 Bracket for Telemat
07-11-9-904-019 Hex Nut x4
84-50-6-928-461 Bluetooth Antenna
84-31-6-938-762 Hands Free Telephon
65-13-6-938-657 Loud Speaker
65-20-6-935-024 Back-up Antenna - This part was not needed.
61-31-9-197-759 Switch Unit Roof
84-10-9-206-422 RMFD Telematics Con
TOTAL: $848.89 + Tax = $918.92 - $33 for the unused part

Install was "3 hrs labor". My car went in last Tuesday morning and I didn't see it again until Thursday at mid-day. Seems like the directions BMW provides (see above thread) are not complete and that a Japanese service bulletin has the correct steps to get the retrofit to working. The labor total was $299.

All in, it was $1185 and 2.5 days in the shop. Was it worth it? I would say Yes. This was the only option I didn't have that I considered "must have", so for me it is worth it. Next I will add the iPhone 3G snap in but I'm not sure if I need/want to do the 6FL retrofit to get the audio working.

So far the bluetooth retrofit works flawlessly and I've been very impressed when I'm entering and exiting the car and the conversation seamlessly transfer between the iPhone and the in-car bluetooth. It is also very clear in all conditions and most people don't hear any car noises and assume I'm at the office. That alone is worth it!

Hope this helps anyone considering the retrofit and I really appreciate the effort of the others who documented their experiences here and on the e90post.

Cheers

Thanks for your write-up. I am looking to do the exact same thing in my 2008 135i. I have been going through the forums and have came up with the same thing as you but was unsure if you needed the TCU (RMFD Cont) as I have the MULF2 in the trunk that has the bluetooth logo on it.

The only question that I have is the switch unit roof for the Assist button that says "SOS" on it. Thanks for documenting this, as many forums do not have the complete list of parts.

I am also in Austin and will be working with BMW of Austin to get this all working once I install the parts. At least I was able to located the E82 installation instructions online.

[agazza2]

Originally Posted by wea

This is a write up of my experiences on installing the bluetooth retrofit. I think this will help anyone considering the bluetooth retrofit on a M3 because many of the post are a little old at this point.

I followed this thread for my basic guidance: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122545

Since many of the parts are superseded and I wanted my local dealer to be responsible for the service and parts ordering. I worked with Andy and Bo at BMW Austin. They were very helpful but they had not done this retrofit before. I did get a 10% BMW CCA off the parts and service but it was still expensive.

Here is what I ordered for my e90 M3 with Technology Pkg with a 05/08 build date:

65-15-9-135-687 Bracket for Telemat
07-11-9-904-019 Hex Nut x4
84-50-6-928-461 Bluetooth Antenna
84-31-6-938-762 Hands Free Telephon
65-13-6-938-657 Loud Speaker
65-20-6-935-024 Back-up Antenna - This part was not needed.
61-31-9-197-759 Switch Unit Roof
84-10-9-206-422 RMFD Telematics Con
TOTAL: $848.89 + Tax = $918.92 - $33 for the unused part

Install was "3 hrs labor". My car went in last Tuesday morning and I didn't see it again until Thursday at mid-day. Seems like the directions BMW provides (see above thread) are not complete and that a Japanese service bulletin has the correct steps to get the retrofit to working. The labor total was $299.

All in, it was $1185 and 2.5 days in the shop. Was it worth it? I would say Yes. This was the only option I didn't have that I considered "must have", so for me it is worth it. Next I will add the iPhone 3G snap in but I'm not sure if I need/want to do the 6FL retrofit to get the audio working.

So far the bluetooth retrofit works flawlessly and I've been very impressed when I'm entering and exiting the car and the conversation seamlessly transfer between the iPhone and the in-car bluetooth. It is also very clear in all conditions and most people don't hear any car noises and assume I'm at the office. That alone is worth it!

Hope this helps anyone considering the retrofit and I really appreciate the effort of the others who documented their experiences here and on the e90post.

Cheers

Thanks for your write-up. I am looking to do the exact same thing in my 2008 135i. I have been going through the forums and have came up with the same thing as you but was unsure if you needed the TCU (RMFD Cont) as I have the MULF2 in the trunk that has the bluetooth logo on it.

The only question that I have is the switch unit roof for the Assist button that says "SOS" on it. Thanks for documenting this, as many forums do not have the complete list of parts.

I am also in Austin and will be working with BMW of Austin to get this all working once I install the parts. At least I was able to located the E82 installation instructions online.

[agazza2]

Originally Posted by wea

This is a write up of my experiences on installing the bluetooth retrofit. I think this will help anyone considering the bluetooth retrofit on a M3 because many of the post are a little old at this point.

I followed this thread for my basic guidance: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122545

Since many of the parts are superseded and I wanted my local dealer to be responsible for the service and parts ordering. I worked with Andy and Bo at BMW Austin. They were very helpful but they had not done this retrofit before. I did get a 10% BMW CCA off the parts and service but it was still expensive.

Here is what I ordered for my e90 M3 with Technology Pkg with a 05/08 build date:

65-15-9-135-687 Bracket for Telemat
07-11-9-904-019 Hex Nut x4
84-50-6-928-461 Bluetooth Antenna
84-31-6-938-762 Hands Free Telephon
65-13-6-938-657 Loud Speaker
65-20-6-935-024 Back-up Antenna - This part was not needed.
61-31-9-197-759 Switch Unit Roof
84-10-9-206-422 RMFD Telematics Con
TOTAL: $848.89 + Tax = $918.92 - $33 for the unused part

Install was "3 hrs labor". My car went in last Tuesday morning and I didn't see it again until Thursday at mid-day. Seems like the directions BMW provides (see above thread) are not complete and that a Japanese service bulletin has the correct steps to get the retrofit to working. The labor total was $299.

All in, it was $1185 and 2.5 days in the shop. Was it worth it? I would say Yes. This was the only option I didn't have that I considered "must have", so for me it is worth it. Next I will add the iPhone 3G snap in but I'm not sure if I need/want to do the 6FL retrofit to get the audio working.

So far the bluetooth retrofit works flawlessly and I've been very impressed when I'm entering and exiting the car and the conversation seamlessly transfer between the iPhone and the in-car bluetooth. It is also very clear in all conditions and most people don't hear any car noises and assume I'm at the office. That alone is worth it!

Hope this helps anyone considering the retrofit and I really appreciate the effort of the others who documented their experiences here and on the e90post.

Cheers

Thanks for your write-up. I am looking to do the exact same thing in my 2008 135i. I have been going through the forums and have came up with the same thing as you but was unsure if you needed the TCU (RMFD Cont) as I have the MULF2 in the trunk that has the bluetooth logo on it.

The only question that I have is the switch unit roof for the Assist button that says "SOS" on it. Thanks for documenting this, as many forums do not have the complete list of parts.

I am also in Austin and will be working with BMW of Austin to get this all working once I install the parts. At least I was able to located the E82 installation instructions online.